Last seen winning the G1 Star Doncaster Mile at Randwick on Apr. 2, star racemare Winx (Aus) (Street Cry {Ire}) is all set for her seasonal resumption at the Sydney track providing it dries out in time for the G2 Warwick S. a week on Saturday.
The 1400-metre contest has been nominated by Chris Waller as his preferred comeback option for the six-time Group 1 winner but Sydney's champion trainer is keeping an eye on the weather forecast in the interim.
“I wouldn't run her on a Heavy 10, but I've never seen it that wet [as last Saturday]. Fortunately the weather is starting to improve already, we are getting some longer days and some good sunlight, I'm sure it will be fine,” Waller told racing.com after Winx completed her second barrier trial under regular jockey Hugh Bowman at Randwick on Tuesday.
He continued, “I don't want to go in to the depths of where we will run or where we won't run but provided it is safe she will be running first-up in the Warwick Stakes on August 20.
“It was good to get her through the trial, we are gradually getting her fitness levels up, which is always difficult at this time of year. Unfortunately the last couple of days have been bitter in Sydney, the track wasn't too bad, it was safe at least, and Hughie just kept a good hold of her. She wasn't out to break any records, [Hugh] was happy and therefore I am happy.”
Winx has not been beaten since running second to Gust Of Wind (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) in the G1 Australian Oaks in April 2015. Since then, she has notched a string of nine victories and played a significant role in the late Street Cry recently being named Australian champion sire of 2015/16.
“She is exactly where she needs to be, to have the luxury of another 10 or so days before her first-up run is a bonus too,” Waller added. “It allows us to get a couple of hard gallops into her if we need to. I don't think we do, I think she is about where she needs to be.”
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